Terry McLaurin is out for the season. The Washington Commanders’ top receiver tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during Monday night’s 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and a Tuesday MRI confirmed the injury will end his 2026 season.
The play came near the end of the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. McLaurin planted to break toward the sideline on a route, and his left knee buckled. He tried to get up but never made it off the field on his own. Trainers put his leg in a full air cast, and he was carted to the locker room.
Dan Quinn said after the game that the team feared the injury was significant. On Tuesday, the news was confirmed.
“I’m gutted for him,” Quinn said, calling McLaurin “a captain and one of our real leaders.”
“He brings a lot on and off the field,” Quinn added. “It’s a big hit, and we’ll lean on a number of guys.”
McLaurin is expected to have surgery in the coming days.
The timing is rough for a team already searching for answers. Washington fell to 1-4-1 with the loss, though it wasn’t for lack of effort from the quarterback. Jayden Daniels completed 29 of 40 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns, while linebacker Sonny Styles led all players with 13 tackles. The running game gave Daniels little help, and the night ended on a sack after an intentional grounding penalty.
Now the passing game has to move on without its most dependable target. Stefon Diggs, who just returned to practice last week, becomes the clear No. 1 option, and Quinn made it plain the rest of the group will have to share the load.
“We do have a deep crew at that position, and we’ll lean in on several to fill the unique role that Terry does,” Quinn said.
Stay with Fox Sports 1340 AM and 96.9 FM for more on the Commanders as they regroup.
